Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 dates | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide

Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide

Haridwar, the holy city lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas Legend goes that when lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, she extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. From here, the Ganga proceeds eastwards and southwards through Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Calcutta towards Ganga Sagar, where it meets the sea.

The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the Most sacred Hindu rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here in their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers. Haridwar is known for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held marking the 12 years solar cycle. Millions of devotees and visitors, take a dip in the holiest of Hindu rivers at this time, to attain salvation. The another attraction is the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning wick lamps floating down the Ganga, this town has been distinguished for centuries in the Indian society.
It is said that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu (Hari) or Lord Shiva and hence this sacred spot is known both as Haridwar and Hardwar.
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Brief About The Myth 

The Myth behind the celebration of Kumbh Mela goes like this, after the Deva-Asura war, which went on for quite some time, both the involved parties came to a conclusion that they instead of fighting should come together and churn the milky ocean to obtain the Elixir. The sea was churned and elixir was obtained but it was not meant for the Asura or the demons hence the god who appeared from the sea with the Kumbh or the pitcher of elixir ran from the chasing Asuras. In this chase a few drops fell on earth and now at these four places the Kumbh Mela is conducted.

Rivers have always held a special place in Hindu mythology, as these are considered to be the carriers of life and fertility. Hence in every major festivals in india the rivers always remain a part of it. One of the festivals which are worth mentioning in this context is Kumbh Mela festival. During the festival the banks of these rivers become a large bathing ground for the rich, the poor, the sadhus and the women alike.

Kumbh Mela Celebrations At Haridwar

Rivers have always held a special place in Hindu mythology, as these are considered to be the carriers of life and fertility. Hence in every major festivals in india the rivers always remain a part of it. One of the festivals which are worth mentioning in this context is Kumbh Mela festival. During the festival the banks of these rivers become a large bathing ground for the rich, the poor, the sadhus and the women alike.

As mentioned earier that Kumbh Mela Festival is celebrated after 12 years in 04 cities. So Haridwar also host the Kumbh Mela after 12 years. Though all the Kumbh Melas enjoy almost similar quantity of devotees but the name of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages. Hence the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar enjoys exceptional media coverage and Tourist traffic. The place is termed as the gateway to heaven in Hindu mythological scriptures.

Bathing Ghats In Haridwar- Ghats In Haridwar

The main & common reason for one to attend the holy festival of Kumbh Mela is to take dip in Holy river, It is said that a holy dip in sacred rivers during Maha Kumbh or Ardh kumbh takes human out of the circle of life & death ( stage known as Moksha ). Pilgrims & Sadhus in great numbers from around the world visit here to liberate themselves. Holy rivers like Ganges , Yamuna & celestial Sarawati at Parayag ( Sangam at Allahbad ) is age old symbol of Indian Culture & Civilization. These river offers purity, wealth, fertility and wash away the sins of those who bath in it.

There are many bathing ghats at Haridwar 
• Har Ki Pauri
The main ghat is Har Ki Pauri.
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here.
• Asthi Pravath Ghat
• Subhash Ghat
• Gau Ghat
• Sapth Sarover Kshetra Ghat
• Sarvanand Ghat
• Pantdweep Ghat
• Kangra Ghat
• Roode Bale Wala Ghat
• Ganesh Ghat 
• Varagi Camp Ghat
• Sati Ghat 
• Daksheshwar Ghat
• Singh Dwar Ghat
• Sita Ghat

Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Dates- Main Bathing (Snan) Dates- Bath Timings- Schdule

Date (2016)                          Day                           Event

14th January                      Thursday                Makar Sankranti

12th February                    Friday                    Vasant Panchami

22nd February                   Monday                 Magh Purnima

7th March                          Monday                 Mahashivratri

7th April                            Thursday                Chaitra Amavasya

8th April                            Friday                    Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

14th April                          Thursday                Mesha Sankranti

15th April                          Friday                    Ram Navami

22nd April                         Friday                    Chaitra shukla Purnima

Haridwar Ashrams - Ashrams in Haridwar

Ashrams in Haridwar which can accommodate pilgrims during  Kumbh Mela and other occasion in Haridwar and take nominal fees from pilgrims for accommodation with basic facilities. There are more than 300 Dharamshalas and Ashrams in Haridwar which can accommodate more than 15000 pilgrims. Haridwar Ashrams and Dharamshalas take in name only fees from pilgrims for accommodation and gives very essential services. A short list of the Ashrams in Haridwar is given below
1. Jairam Ashram in HaridwarJairam Ashram in Haridwar
2. Kanva Rishi Ashram in HaridwarKanva Rishi Ashram in Haridwar
3. Maa Anandmayi Ashram in HaridwarMaa Anandmayi Ashram in Haridwar
4. Prem Nagar Ashram in HaridwarPrem Nagar Ashram in Haridwar
5. Santoshpuri Ashram in HaridwarSantoshpuri Ashram in Haridwar
6. Saptrishi Ashram in HaridwarSaptrishi Ashram in Haridwar

7. Soham Ashram in HaridwarSoham Ashram in Haridwar

Haridwar Travel Guide- Travelling Guide

Haridwar can be visited through out the year. Shoes are not allowed in all temples. Haridwar city is spread over 12.3 sq kms. Its Altitude is 315 meter from sea level. Literacy rate in Haridwar is 73.43 percent. According to census in 2011 population of Haridwar district was 18,90,422 in which Haridwar city has 1,75,010. Haridwar district sex ratio is 880 female per 1000 male. Hindi, Garhwali & English are the major languages in Haridwar. Non vegetarian food & alcohol is strictly not allowed in Haridwar. Auto rickshaw (Vikrams or three wheelers) are best option for visit in side in city. You can also use it on sharing basis. Cotton cloths in summer & woolen cloths in winter are best options for clothing. Avoid short cloths (such as swim suites, mini skirts) because this is holy town. Shoes are strictly not allowed in any temple, holy place or even in the river Ganges. Photography inside the temple or ashram is not allowed at many places. Haridwar is 230 km from Delhi & 25 km from Rishikesh & 110 km from Mussoorie & 55 Km from Dehradun & 110 km from Devprayag.

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Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide | Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Dates- Main Bathing (Snan) Dates.

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About Ardh Kumbh Mela | Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Haridwar dates, Temples

About Ardh Kumbh Mela - What is Ardh Kumbh Mela?

The term Ardh means half and Kumbh Mela is held in one of these holy places after a period of 12 years. Hence, Ardh Kumbh Mela is held in the gap of six years (which is half of 12 years) and is organised only in two places: Haridwar and Allahabad. In January 2016, Haridwar is the holy place where Ardh Kumbh Mela will be held.

For instance, if Kumbh Mela was held in 1998 at Haridwar then next one held in 2010 at Haridwar again after completing the span of 12 years. But, in between the period of 12 years, Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated from the gap of 6 years from 1998, i.e. in 2006. Hence, the next Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will occur in 2016 (distance of 6 years from the year of 2010). The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs after 144 years after completing 12 Kumbh Mela's.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will be celebrated from January 2016 and will be the centre for attraction among pilgrims from all over the world and tourists. The Haridwar Kumbh Mela  is also seen as original among all the Kumbh Mela as it occurs as per the astrological sign Aquarius, which means Kumbh and one can also find many references to a 12 year cycle for it.
Every day hundreds of people take holy bath in River Ganga for washing thier sins even if there is no special ocassion. So when there is a combination of auspicious time of Kumbh Mela and the Holy River Ganga, taking holy bath will be certainly a lifetime moment. That is why when Kumbh Mela is in Haridwar and Allahabad (both city has river gang) it is more visited by people than Ujjain and Nasik Kumbh Mela.
There are some perticular auspicious dates when Haridwar will be visited by thousands of pilgrims in 2016.

Kumbh Mela 2016 Haridwar Dates - Important Dates of Haridwar Ardh Kumbh 2016

14 January 2016 (Thursday): Makar Sankranti

12 February 2016 (Friday): Vasant Panchami

22 February 2016 (Monday): Magh Purnima

07 March 2016 (Monday): Mahashivratri

07 April 2016 (Thursday): Chaitra Amavasya

08 April 2016 (Friday): Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

14 April 2016 (Thursday): Mesha Sankranti

15April 2016 (Friday): Ram Navami

22April 2016 (Friday): Chaitra shukla Purnima

Haridwar Temples - Haridwar Temple Tour - List of Temples in Haridwar

Haridwar name is an amalgamation of two words, Hari (meaning God) and Dwar (Gate). Temples are widespread in each and every place of the Haridwar city. Haridwar has got numerous temples and pilgrimage centers which make it one of the sacred place in India. Most of the Haridwar temples are dedicated either to Shiva or Vishnu. A brief List of Temples in Haridwar is given below:

1. Bharat Mata MandirBharat Mata Mandir

About 4 Km from Haridwar, the Bharat Mata Temple, is a real gorgeous temple, having 6 floors. The ground floor has the striking statue of Bharat Mata. The foremost floor has the Sant Temple, which has statues of great saints like Buddha, Mahavir and Guru Nanak

2. Bilkeshwar TempleBilkeshwar Temple

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a religious-places and is to be found at Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

3. Chandi Devi TempleChandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is Constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir - Suchat Singh, Chandi Devi temple, atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga, is now reachable by a ropeway, which begins near Gauri Shanker Temple. A 3 kilometers trail from Chandi Ghat, legend has it, that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed, that the major statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD.

4. Dakash TempleDakash Temple

Dakash Temple is very old temple of Daksha Mahadev, is to be found in the South of Kankhal city, which is 4 Kilometers from Haridwar. The mythological story about this place is that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shivas first wife) performed yagya at this place. Daksha Prajapati did not invite Lord Shiva and Sati felt insulted. As a result, she burnt herself in the yagya kund. This incident provoked the disciples and followers of Mahadev, who killed King Daksha, but later on Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha temple is therefore a tribute to this legend.

5. Doodhadhari Barfani TempleDoodhadhari Barfani Temple

Doodhadhari Barfani temple in Haridwar is a big centre of attraction. It`s not only for its spiritual importance but for its beautiful construction work also. The temple is to be found in the Doodhadhari Barfani Baba Ashram. The temple complex is built in white marble. Inside the temple complex, there are other temples as well dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.

6. Gauri Shankar TempleGauri Shankar Temple

Gaurishankar Mahadev temple is one more religious place in Haridwar. Positioned near to the Chandi Devi temple, this temple is recognized to represent Lord Shiva. Gaurishankar Temple is a part of the various religious festivities held throughout the year. Any religious individual offering prayers with all his devotion gets his wishes fulfilled in this temple.

7. Hari ki PauriHari ki Pauri

Holy ghats are named after the Charan (Footprints) of Hari (God Vishnu) impressed on a stone, set into the upper wall of the ghats. Constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari, it is thought that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar, to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name, which later came to be famous as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing ghat, is also famous as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas, in the river Ganga, is the most delightful sight in the twilight, throughout the Ganga Arti Ceremony. It is the most important ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.

8. Jain TempleJain Temple

Haridwar is a city of temples. Jain temple is one of them and the temple is beautifully carved and sculptured making it one of the beautiful Haridwar temples

9. Mansa Devi TempleMansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple on the top of the Siwalik Hills is devoted to the Goddess Mansa Devi, who was the daughter of Lord Shiva. This temple is the tower of Haridwar City, looking down on the city, as a devoted mother looks after her beloved children. Here, one statue of the Goddess has 3 mouths and 5 arms while the other statue has 8 arms. A stunning sight of the city can be had from this place. It is thought that whoever worships Goddess Mansa Devi, gets, their desires fulfilled.

10. Maya Devi TempleMaya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple has the perfect of the 3 headed Durga and the idols of Bhairava and Shiva. It is thought that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this very old shaktipeeth, to be found to the east of Har-ki-Pauri. This temple is devoted to the power of goddess.

11. Mahamrityunjaya TempleMahamrityunjaya Temple

The Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or Lord Shiva Mantra is measured very powerful and significant by the Hindus. Also famous as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva, chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is said to create divine vibrations that heals. Maha Mrityunjay is one more temple in Haridwar.

12. Neelaswar TempleNeelaswar Temple

Neelaswar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Mansa in the holy city of Haridwar.

13. Pawan DhamPawan Dham

Pawan Dham temple lies in the aesthetically adorned attractive idols and the glass work designed on the temple walls, which makes it a famous sightseer spot. Pawan Dham is distanced at 2 kilometer from the main town of Haridwar and about 3 km from Har-ki-Pauri.

14. Sati KundSati Kund

Sati Kund is actually the site of the Yagna Kund, the sacrificial fire. According to Hindu traditions, it is the tank where Sati (Lord Shiva's wife) put herself to fire. Sati burnt herself in the wake of the insulting demeanor of hes father Daksha Prajapati towards Lord Shiva. This yagna kund is today famously known as Sati Kund.

15. Sri Yantra TempleSri Yantra Temple

Shree Yantra Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Upasna Kendra. The temple is visited by large number of people every day. Big worshippers are held throughout Navratras in Chaitra (April) and Ashwin (October) months. The Pathotsava of maa Tripur Sundri is held in the month of April. The temple is situated just 300m from the Daksh Mandir, an ancient temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shankar.

16. Sureshwari TempleSureshwari Temple

Sureshwari Devi Temple is positioned on the lap of Shivalik range, Haridwar is supposed as the door-way to the 4 pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand State. Stopover this holy place that will cleanse your body, mind and the spirit. Use up some time on the Ghats in Haridwar that obtain a special attraction in the twilight with countless diyas hovering in the waters of Ganges.

Tourism - Haridwar Tourist Attractions - Haridwar Attraction Places

Haridwar is a sacred territory where pilgrims come from across the world.  The meaning of Haridwar is 'Gateway to God'. It is set amidst calm and attractive surroundings at the foothills of the mesmerizing Himalayas. It is believed in the Hindu traditions that one must visit Haridwar at least once in a lifetime. The scenic beauty of Haridwar is equally mesmerizing. The views of the holy river Ganga and majestic mountains are the sights to behold.

A List of Haridwar Tourist Attraction Places is given below:-

1.Daksheswara-Mahadev-TempleKankhal

2.Neel-Dhara-Pakshi-ViharNeel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

3.Doodhadhari-Barfani-TempleDoodhadhari Barfani Temple

4.Sureshwari-Devi-TempleSureshvari Devi Temple

5.Pawan-dham-haridwarPawan Dham

6.Bharat-mata-mandirBharat Mata Mandir

7.Jairam-Ashram-haridwarJairam Ashram

8.Sapt-Rishi-Ashram-and-Sapt-SarovarSapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

9.Parad-shivling-haridwarParad Shivling

10.Ramanand-Ashram-haridwarRamanand Ashram

11.Anandamayi-ma-ashram-haridwarAnandamayi Maa Ashram

12.Patanjali-Yogpeeth-haridwarPatanjali Yogpeeth (Trust)

13.Bhel-haridwarB.H.E.L.

14.Piran-Kaliyar-haridwarPiran Kaliyar

Tips for Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2016 

First of all arrive at Haridwar two or atleast one day before the above dates. Book the hotel in advance as early as possible. During the Ardh Kumbh Mela Festival on the above dates Haridwar will be very very busy so trasnportation options will be limited. You should book hotel close to Har Ki Pauri to avoid long waiting time in traffic. The core areas of the city will have very limited option for transportation. Cycles will be the best way for main areas but by walk you will reach more quicker.

Important Note: All information is updated frequently for public interest & mistakes in above information are purely unintentional. Please feel free to inform us if you find mistakes in above information.

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